November 10, 2001	Saturday	Shaba’an 23, 1422

TEHRAN, Nov 9: Iran’s President Mohammad Khatami asked the United Nations Secretary General on Thursday to persuade the United States to stop the war during Ramazan.

“The oppressed people of Afghanistan have already paid long enough for terrorist activities in their country. At least they should be spared (from airstrikes) during Ramazan, “ Khatami said during a meeting with Kofi Annan in New York.

The war in Afghanistan has caused a lot of concern worldwide and the UN. should seriously deal with the crisis in order to enable an inclusive solution, said Khatami, who is currently in New York to attend the 56th annual session of the UN General Assembly.

Before his departure form Tehran, Khatami said he would propose to the UN a peace coalition for resolving the Afghan and terrorism crisis after the problems have not been resolved by force.—dpa